Did Zayn Malik Really Get a Tattoo on His Face? Take a Look

Did Zayn Malik just make a very permanent change to that beautiful mug of his?

The singer took to Instagram this afternoon to share a close-up side view of that face that we just can't get enough of, but, hold on a second, there's something obstructing our view of that flawless temple. It looks like the former One Direction member got some new ink—ON HIS FACE. On his face, people.

The tattoo looks to be a phoenix in flight with a banner across its body containing the letters M.O.M, and although it would be super presh to assume his latest art is in honor of his mother, something tells us it's probably dedicated to his upcoming first solo album Mind of Mine, which drops March 25.

Given that imagery, it's clear of the significance behind the art piece.

In Greek mythology, the phoenix symbolizes rebirth, and with the addition of his album initials within the piece, suggests that Zayn is making a statement about his new journey pursuing music without his former bandmates. As for the placement, there have been rumors that the right-side of your brain controls creativity, while the left-brain controls logic, however that's since been squashed.

Malik simply captioned the photo, "Like I Would," which is the title of his latest single.

"I feel good!" he recently told Z100's Elvis Duran of leaving the band. "You have to always remain true to yourself and do whatever makes you happy because at the end of the day, you answer to yourself, so it's a good place to be in. I'm happy about the decision I made."